Global positioning satellite [GPS] based recovery device and risk management system for portable computing devices and data

ABSTRACT

A device and software utilizing Global Positioning Satellite [GPS] technologies for monitoring and recovering portable computing devices and, a method and system for acquiring such devices and for compensating owners of devices. The invention inserts a GPS mechanism into a computing device that is enabled once the device is reported missing. The GPS emits real time tracking of missing devices that may be coordinated with security agencies to intercept and recover missing computing devices. When a stolen device is unrecoverable, the invention may receive a signal to initiate data recovery where a wireless network is available to recover data for the owner. Alternatively, the GPS mechanism instructs the device to destroy stored data files to prevent commercial espionage or privacy violations. The invention discloses a software system and method for computing a purchase price of the GPS mechanism, computing compensation for loss of the device and lost data.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This invention derives from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/188,727 dated Aug. 12, 2008 filed with the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

With the advent of telecommunications, it has become useful anddesirable for enterprises and individuals to employ various forms ofsensors and communications devices to monitor the condition and locationof certain assets such as portable computing devices. Advances indigital, electronic and wireless communication devices have extended therange and convenience of portable asset monitoring. Global PositioningSatellites (GPS) such as Inmarstat, Iridium, Globalstar, or Msat nowincrease the accuracy of portable asset location and movement. Suchtechnologies are significant in improving efficiency and economicmanagement of portable assets. Such devices and business practices arewell known in the prior art.

Due to the growth of the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure andgeneral decrease in costs and sizes of GPS device components, there hasbeen a growing demand for GPS implementation within portable assets. Onesuch area has been portable computing devices. As individuals andenterprises expand the use of portable computing devices such as lap topcomputers, there has been an increasing recognition of the vulnerabilitysuch devices have for theft or loss and the corresponding increase ineconomic value and corresponding loss when theft or loss occurs. Forexample, of the more than 10,000 laptops that go missing every month atChicago O'Hare Airport, approximately only 22% are ever recovered.

A problem in the prior art has been an inability to configure andfabricate GPS devices that were compact enough to conveniently installon portable computing devices. A further problem is the inability toconfigure an embedded antennae configuration with such a compact GPSdevice that will reliably transmit such signals usable by a GPS trackingnetwork for device recovery in the event of theft or loss. A stillfurther problem has been a lack of means to configure such GPS devicesfor simple, rapid and covert installation into existing portablecomputing devices that will be both efficacious yet difficult to detectand disable by thieves. A still further problem in the prior art is thelack of an enabling system to instruct the installed GPS device in aportable computing device to instruct the computing device to transmit,alter or destroy stored data files to prevent economic loss or breach ofprivacy rights. A still further problem is the lack of a suitablebusiness method and process to price, acquire and install such GPSdevices, concurrent with a method to price and provide a risk managementfinancial instrument to compensate a purchaser for potential the risk ofloss and impairments occasioned by the irrecoverable or partial recoveryof portable computing devices and data therein installed.

Currently, GPS is a fast-growing field. Cell phones currently have theability to have GPS on them as do automobiles, which has made GPSproducts an off-the-shelf product. However, in the present invention,the device's solutions and implementation, and the size of the unit makeit unique. What also makes it unique is a novel, computationally basedrecovery replacement program that utilizes a generated insurance serviceto mitigate the risks and costs associated with theft and loss ofportable computing devices.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to disclose anovel and useful GPS device and antennae system that may be covertly andefficiently installed into a portable computing device through thememory slots on the motherboard.

A second further object of the invention is to disclose a novel means toemploy specific software (“Silver Bullet software”) in the GPS devicethat may independently instruct the portable computing device totransmit, alter or destroy data files in the portable computing deviceto prevent loss of economic value or personal privacy through the uniquecoding of the Silver Bullet software application.

A third further object of the present invention is to disclose a novelcomputerized and enabled method to acquire and install such a GPS deviceand software and to provide a computer generated insurance product tocompensate for accidental loss or theft of such portable computingdevices.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

There are approximately a dozen disclosures describing GPS features thatrelate to portable device theft and recovery that constitutes the knownprior art relating to the present invention. The present inventionprovides novel and useful improvements, methods and processes forreducing economic and property losses related to the theft or loss ofportable computing devices which, without limitation, is distinguishedfrom the prior art in the following discussion.

In the US patent application published as US20060007039A1, a method andsystem are disclosed for expanding law enforcement recovery efforts formissing vehicles using VHF enabled networks and concealed GPS receivers.The present invention application is distinguished in that its hardwareelements are novel and unique to the small dimensions of a portablecomputing device. A further limitation of the prior invention is that itsubstantially provides only passive tracking capabilities. Animprovement of this invention over the prior art is the novel enablementof the tracking device to receive and initiate certain limited anduseful operations of the stolen or missing computing assets to preventunauthorized use of its digital content.

As part of the prior art, the US patent application published asUS20040198309A1, discloses a stolen vehicle tracking and recoveringmethod that utilizes cellular telecommunication networks for providinglocation guidance information to improve vehicle recovery. Animprovement of this invention over the prior art is its use of animplanted GPS device within a portable computing device thatcommunicates directly via a Global Positioning Satellite network andindependently of the operating system of the portable computing device.In the US patent application US20030005316A1, the prior art teaches amobile system that is provided with a theft recovery mechanismcomprising a host chipset and a locator subsystem connected to the hostchipset that is arranged to determine a current location of the mobilesystem; and a main storage connected to the host chipset and arranged tostore an operating system (OS) and contain an OS-Present applicationand/or a Pre-OS application configured to enforce security policiesduring user authentication and determine whether the mobile system mayhave been stolen or used inappropriately based on the security policies.A novel improvement of the present invention is its use of an implantedautonomous device that coordinates theft and tracking functions separatefrom an existing computing operating system. This improvement provides ameasure of security from programming interference or compromise bysoftware viruses that can attack and compromise mobile device operatingsystems. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,283, ‘Pager vehicle theft prevention andrecovery system’, the prior art teaches a theft prevention and recoverysystem using pager network for vehicles which transmits a designatedelectronic alarm signal via free space through electronic transceiver,when a remote alarm activation signal is received. The user instructsthe transceiver to transmit a continuous pager signal containinglongitudinal and latitudinal coordinates generated by the GPS. Thelongitudinal and latitudinal coordinates allow the car to be traced andrecovered. The present invention is distinguished from this prior artbecause its mode of operation configures to the unique parameters of apersonal computing system which contains data files. In the event of aloss or theft of the personal computing system it is a novel improvementof the present invention that it can determine and activate procedureson the data files if such data files must be cordoned off, destroyed,encrypted or transmitted to a remote and secure location.

Other prior art is disclosed In US20070180207A1, which involves secureRFID backup/restore for computing/pervasive devices. This prior art usesan automated Radio frequency identification (RFID) based data backup andrecovery system for a computing device to invoke logic to initiatephysical copying and transmission of digital storage device content toremote storage device. The present invention is distinguished by itsseparate universal GPS device that is installed in a portable computingdevice. Further the present invention requires positive activation bythe user and can trigger disablement of the host computing device toprevent economic loss related to a potential disclosure breach ofproprietary, personal or commercial data.

In US20060033616A1, ‘Smart container gateway’, the prior art comprises asmart container gateway that provides communication with global andlocal networks, container and cargo security sensors and cargoidentification tags. The smart container gateway communicates with oneor more networks by means of an integrated structural RF antenna, powergenerator and radio control subsystem. The present invention isdistinguished in that its application requires insertion of a compactand covert device into the interior space of the portable computingdevice and requires external power from the host device and externalactivation prior to performing or activating to perform any function.

In the patent application, US20050017900A1, ‘Tracking unit’, the priorart describes a tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolenmonies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiverfor receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phonetransceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, themicroprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial thetelephone number of a central monitoring station. The present inventionis distinguished in that it is directly installed into the theft risk[i.e. the portable computing device] in which it is installed.

In US20040075539A1, ‘Vehicle monitoring system’, the prior art is“Remote theft monitoring for vehicle by sensing vehicle displacement,engine operation and key entry.” When a possible theft condition isdetermined, the service provider server will generate a message to alerta security agency. The present invention disclosure is distinguished byits use in portable computing devices and its requirement for activeexternal activation by an owner to operate its novel features andbenefits.

In U.S. Pat. 6,049,269, ‘Wide area wireless system for access intovehicles and fleets for control, security, messaging, reporting andtracking’, the prior art invention uses a paging signal initiated byowner if vehicle is stolen, on-board paging receiver, decoder,controller, alarm and ultimate disablement of vehicle. The presentinvention is an improvement in its use of a novel software based methodthat employs an insertable GPS device into portable computing devices.In the present invention, a novel software based method computes a GPSsystem purchase price related to the savings from economic loss byrecovery or by cash compensation in the event of an unrecoverable lossof said portable computing device.

Notwithstanding the prior art discussed herein, the invention is novelbecause none of the prior disclosures either alone or in combination aresufficient to disclose the invention set forth in this application. As aresult, the present invention offers numerous advantages over the priorart, including, without limitation:

-   -   a) The claimed invention discloses a novel and useful GPS device        and antennae system that may be covertly and efficiently        installed into a portable computing device.    -   b) The invention is a novel means to employ software in the GPS        device that may instruct the portable computing device to        transmit, alter or destroy data files in the portable computing        device to prevent loss of economic value or personal privacy.    -   c) The invention is a novel software based method and financial        system to acquire and install such a GPS device and software and        to provide an insurance product to compensate for loss by the        theft of or accidental loss of portable computing devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are exemplary schematics illustrating the elements of theinvention device in various view planes that demonstrate the compositionof electrical and structural elements necessary for installation into aportable computing device.

FIG. 1A is a frontal plane view of said exemplary device.

FIG. 1B is a back plane view of said exemplary device.

FIG. 1C is a side view of said exemplary device.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary process and software block flow diagram for useof the installed exemplary device of FIGS. 1A-C in the event of theft orloss of the portable computing device to which the device is covertlyaffixed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of themethod and system disclosed by the present invention which respects to,purchase, registration, signal generation, tracking and control of theinstalled exemplary device of FIGS. 1A-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is embedded into the portable computing device viaan open card slot on the motherboard of said portable computing device,which is respectively illustrated in the diagrams of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and1C. In a preferred embodiment, the device is always powered on, evenwhen the portable computing device is not plugged in. The power drain isminimal due to the fact the device is in ‘sleep mode’ and allows for aSMS message to be sent to the device on demand and therefore locatingthe portable computing device with accuracy within 5 meters.

Unlike prior art products that are required to be connected to theInternet, the present invention can be located on demand regardless ifthe portable computing device is plugged in or connected to theinternet. A SMS text message is sent to the device and it responds withlongitude/latitude parameters of its locations. These parameters areentered into a mapping software system and locate the device and displayits location on a map of the area within 5 meters of accuracy.

In contrast, prior art devices are typically embedded into the systemsBIOS and can only be located from internet ‘hotspots’ such as Starbuckscoffee, bookstores and other wired locations, etc. This means theportable computing device can only be located from an internetconnection in which it is connected therefore no on demand capabilityexist with the prior art products and, therefore, are less accurate.

The present invention incorporates other novel features as well. Forexample, if desired by the owner, a transmitted message to the SilverBullet software can be sent to and through the present invention todestroy the data contained on the hard drive rendering the portablecomputing device useless. The Silver Bullet software function will issuea command to the present invention that will activate a binary overwritecommand that will fill the entire hard drive with 1's and 0's renderingthe portable computing device useless and even unable to boot up sincethe operating system will also be overwritten. Prior art products do notoffer or anticipate this capability.

Furthermore, in the unlikely event the portable computing device is notrecovered within a definite time (ex. 15 calendar days), the riskmanagement process of the present invention will electronically commencean order, payment and shipment process to replace the portable computingdevice with a comparable product of like, kind and quality or better.Additionally the risk management process can also electronically providecompensation to the owner for the lost economic value of the data filesstored on the unrecovered portable computing device.

It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the invention may takenumerous forms of device and system configurations that will accommodatea diversity of covert GPS tracking devices, portable computing devices,and electronically implemented, software-based insurance and purchasebusiness systems. What follows is a preferred embodiment of the usefulnovelties of the present invention. However, for one skilled in the artit will be obvious that the novel features disclosed herein may beemployed with equal utility to alternate configurations of the inventionelements.

The disclosed invention is the GPS personal tracking and recovery deviceused inside of laptops and other types of portable computing devices. Ina preferred embodiment with this type of system, a battery or powersource is required. If the device is charged using its internal batteryit typically has four hours of run time and three days of standby time.However, if the invention device is charged using the laptop powersource in which the invention device was installed, that device canoperate efficiently using inside power as long as that power isavailable. In some cases, people will disconnect the power and/orrepackage. However, when it becomes time to re-engage power, theinvention device will begin transmitting again and has been set on aprotocol that allows the user to continue to transmit immediately. Ifsomebody attempts to change the exterior of the portable computingdevice, the invention's embedded chip will still react.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the exemplary invention is shown in frontalplane view. At [100] the flexible antenna for GMS transmission isdisplayed. At [102], a GPS antenna is displayed. A telephone modem [104]provides for reception and transmission of software enabled data andinstructions between the invention device and a remote invention user. AGPS transmitter [106] enables the invention device to transmit andobtain location signals from a GPS/GSM array. A SIMM card housing andapparatus [108] together with the modem [104], antennae [102, 100] andthe GPS transmitter [106] are affixed and communicate with a circuitboard [110]. In the present embodiment the circuit board [100] is insignal communication with the computing element of portable computingdevice through a connector rail [112]. The circuit board [110] has anelectric power connection with the portable computing device at [114].

Referring now to FIG. 1B is a back plane ‘through view’ of the exemplaryinvention which was previously referenced in FIG. 1A. The inventionillustrated in FIG. 1B maintains the same orientation as FIG. 1A and theobserver views the back plane view through the front plane orientation.The conspicuous feature of FIG. 1B is a rechargeable battery element[118], affixed to the circuit board [110], which communicates withexternal recharging power through the battery recharge port at [114].

Referring now to FIG. 1C is an alternative side view of the inventiondevice illustrating an alternative positioning of some of the inventiondevice elements. More specifically, the circuit board [110] is shownhousing various communication circuit elements [120] within the circuitboard [110] itself. The flexible antenna [100] is mechanically affixedto the rechargeable battery [118]. The connector rail [112] and batteryrecharge port elements are deliberately omitted in the plane view tohighlight other invention elements. However, for one skilled in the artsuch alternate assemblies are well understood and frequently used tominimize overall device size and/or connection compatibility to theportable computing device. Further, flexibility in the invention deviceelement assembly lends itself to covert design in either imitation ofother circuit elements or compact size. Either option is novel anduseful in preventing invention device tampering or detection.

For this exemplary application, the invention tracking device will beused inside of a laptop computing device, deriving its power sourcedirectly from said computer's battery source as shown at [114] in FIGS.1A and 1B respectively. The invention device allows the laptop owner touse either a desktop computer, a third party tracking service and/or acellular phone for immediate tracking capability. Additionally, once theinvention device registers the laptop as missing, an owner has theability to initiate regular monitoring whereby, for example, theinstalled device can transmit a location, based upon plain sight, everytwo minutes up to every 24 hours.

This invention tracking device is useful because of the fact that thereis a high theft and low recovery rate of laptops. An additional novelbenefit is that this invention device can be used in almost any type ofdevice which utilizes an AC/DC power source and which can be convertedto the 12 volt standard typically required. The usefulness of thisdevice is self-evident with the ability to recover misplaced or stolenproducts through the ability to have immediate real-time access basedupon GPS satellite transmission.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram indicating an exemplary software enabledprocess utilizing the invention tracking device. Such a process starts[200] with physical installation of the invention device [205]referenced in FIGS. 1A-C. Concurrently at [205] the software componentsare installed in the invention device and a covert tracker device [225]such as a desktop computer, cellular phone or a telecommunicationsservice provider system. The enabled covert tracking device system [210]remains dormant until activation by a transmitted request from the owneror authorized user to an operational covert tracker device. Anactivation of the installed device at [215] results in a query at [220]on whether to activate the tracking program routine. A ‘no’ response at[220] returns the installed device to a dormant mode at [210]. A ‘yes’at [220] requires manual activation of the software elements to activatetracking operations [225] through transmission and detection of GPSlocation coordinates [230]. Upon activation, the owner or authorizeduser is queued whether to commence data file management via theinstalled tracker device [235]. A ‘no’ at [235] returns either to the[220] tracker queue option or an automated tracking at [225] thatcontinues periodic detection and transmission of GPS locationcoordinates. A ‘yes’ at [235] is indicative of a threat that data on theportable computing device is at risk of unauthorized use or unacceptableloss. A ‘yes’ at [235] thus queues the owner or authorized user toencrypt or destroy portable computing device data files at [240]. If the‘destroy’ option is authorized, the invention initiates its SilverBullet software routine to overwrite and destroy portable computingdevice data files. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that theSilver Bullet software may also be used to uninstall or disable storedsoftware programs, protocols or operating systems deemed proprietary anda cause of economic loss in the event of loss or imminent unauthorizeduse of the portable computing device. If the encrypt option is selectedat [245] then the owner/authorized user is queried whether to transmitsuch data files. If a ‘yes’ occurs at [245] then the installed trackingdevice uploads and sends such files to the activation location [250]. Ifan owner successfully recovers the portable computing device [260], thetracking routine ends and the system is returned to its initial settingsof the dormant state at [210]. If the laptop or data are not recoveredwithin a definite time at [260], the owner then electronically files aninsurance claim [265] which makes compensation to the owner for loss.Upon replacement of the lost hardware, the user process returns to [205]for installation and protection of the replacement device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of the method of thepresent invention is shown. A lap top computer owner [360] who will ownor owns a portable laptop [330] will procure the covert GPS device [320]in connection with a purchase agreement that incorporates an insurancepolicy related to a future event involving theft or loss of laptop[330]. The policy will be produced using a novels series of softwarealgorithms that utilize, without limitation, a plurality of data inputs;the cost of GPS device [320], the cost of installation of GPSdevice[320], the cost of monitoring service [340], the cost ofcommunications from monitoring service [340] to GPS satellite array[310], the cost of communication of the GPS satellite [310] with covertGPS device [320], a future time based value of information and datamaintained or to be maintained on laptop [330] for which owner [360]will be compensated in the event of theft or loss of laptop [330]. Thepayments made by laptop owner [360] to insurer [350] may be a lump sumor a series of fixed or variable payments. The covert GPS device [320]will be installed by a certified contractor and will place the covertdevice [320] into laptop [330] in a manner that makes it difficult torecognize the covert device as other than the normal hardware of laptop[330]. The contractor will also connect the covert device powerreceptacle to the power system of laptop [330]. The contactor willenable an anti tampering feature of covert device [320] to trigger analarm or automatic transmission signal as part of the securityprotection features of the invention. The covert GPS device [320 ] willbe electronically enabled using embedded software algorithms that mayalso be encrypted to provide security to the owner [330] and anidentifier code for monitoring service [340] and GPS satellite array[310]. In the event of a theft or loss of laptop [330], owner [360] willcommunicate the event to insurer [350]. Insurer [350] will communicatewith service [340] to initiate a tracking algorithm to locate laptop[330]. Alternately, the owner [360] call report will be automaticallyforwarded to monitoring service [340]. GPS device [320] will receive anenabling transmission from GPS Satellite [310] and commence periodic GPSlocation emissions using power derived from laptop [330] power source.

In a further variation of the invention, the monitoring service [340]will manually or automatically transmit to the GPS Satellite [310] anauthorize for Covert device [320] to initiate a wireless datatransmission of files stored on laptop [330] to secure files managed bythe monitoring service [340]. These files will be forwarded under securetransmission or recorded on to a suitable data storage medium forphysical delivery of such data files stored on laptop [330] to owner[360]. In a still further variation of the invention the instructionsregarding data stored on laptop [330] may instruct the laptop [330] toalter or eradicate such stored files.

In summary and without limitation, the invention is comprised of thefollowing elements:

A first element consisting of fabricating an installed covert trackingdevice further comprised of circuit, electronic and power elements asshown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C that is compatible with the portablecomputing device into which it is installed;

A second element where said covert tracking device is acquired inconjunction with a software generated insurance policy and trackingsystem to mitigate the risk of loss of a portable computing device intowhich said covert tracking device is installed;

A third element of installing the covert tracking device covertly insidethe portable computing device and further attaching it to the powersource and/or battery of said portable computing device where saidtracking device itself does not rely on any functions from the portablecomputing device and is stand-alone other than the power source;

A fourth element where, once the tracking device is installed in theportable computing device, and in the event for whatever reason theportable computing device is misplaced and or stolen, an owner of thelost portable computing device will have the ability to telecommunicateto activate a recovery protocol utilizing the tracking features of thecovert tracking device;

A fifth element where recovery of all portable computing devices usingthis tracking device invention is based upon real-time GPS locationsand, in the event recovery is not immediate, the tracking device itselfreceives a communication that allows the tracking device to power on andregularly source and transmit GPS location data until actual recovery ordetermination of an unrecoverable loss of said portable computingdevice.

A sixth element where a portable computing device being misplaced orstolen, a certain minimum time must lapse (ex. 5 days) before it isdeemed unrecoverable. If the portable computing device is not recoveredwithin the lapsed period, a risk management underwriter will beobligated, through said insurance policy, to replace the unrecoveredportable computing device together with a compensable sum for theeconomic loss of proprietary data files.

It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that this invention device,method and process apply to numerous other types of portable computingdevices. The immediate invention opportunity appears to be with laptops,as there is apparently a unique and unmet need to mitigate sensitive andvaluable data storage and restriction issues in the event of loss ortheft of the portable computing device.

1. A compact Global Positioning Satellite [GPS] device, installed into aportable computing device, comprising; utilization of an electricalpower system of either said portable computing device or a separatebattery system affixed to said installed GPS device; installation of adata port to communicate digitally with the operating system of saidportable computing device; operation of a signal reception andtransmission assembly in said GPS device for wireless communication withone or more Global Positioning Satellite arrays that is conditioned uponan input indicating the theft or loss of said portable computing device,and; the transmission of geographic coordinates of said installed GPSdevice to assist the locating and recovery of said portable computingdevice.
 2. The invention of claim 1 where the means to operate the GPSdevice is a software algorithm installed into the GPS device.
 3. Theinvention of claim 2 where said software algorithms are code protected.4. The invention of claim 1, where the transmissions of said GPS deviceare encrypted and de-encrypted by said GPS device through a digitalizedelectronic security code.
 5. The invention of claim 1 where the GPSsatellite array is in wireless communication with a monitoring service.6. The invention of claim 5 where said monitoring service electronicallyreceives and stores said wireless communications.
 7. The invention ofclaim 5 where an owner of a portable computing device with an installedGPS device communicates with the monitoring service to authorizetransmission
 8. The invention of claim 5 where said wirelesscommunications are encrypted.
 9. A method where; a compact GlobalPositioning Satellite [GPS] device, installed into a portable computingdevice, comprising utilization of an electrical power system of eithersaid portable computing device or a separate battery system affixed tosaid installed GPS device, installation of a data port to communicatedigitally with the operating system of said portable computing device,installation of a data port to communicate digitally with the operatingsystem of said portable computing device, operation of a signalreception and transmission assembly in said GPS device for wirelesscommunication with one or more Global Positioning Satellite arrays thatis conditioned upon an input indicating the theft or loss of saidportable computing device; is a used as component of an insurance andrisk management service to mitigate the economic cost of loss or theftof said portable computing device and or any proprietary data filesstored therein.
 10. The invention of claim 1 where the emitted signalsof said installed GPS device consist of periodic data to compute thereal time location of said portable computing device connected to saidinstalled GPS device.
 11. The invention of claim 1 where said emittedsignals consist of data files authorized for wireless transmission fromsaid portable computing device to said portable computing devicemonitoring service by said installed GPS device.
 12. The invention ofclaim 1 where said received transmissions may authorize the installedGPS device to instruct the portable computing device to alter oreradicate its electronically stored records.
 13. The invention of claim9 where said insurance and risk management service is created by aseries of computerized algorithms that compute a value and paymentscheme for said insurance and risk management service.
 14. The method ofclaim 13 where inputs to said computerized algorithms may include; thecost of said GPS device, the cost of installation of said GPS device,the cost of monitoring service, the cost of communications frommonitoring service to GPS satellite array, the cost of communication ofthe GPS satellite with a covertly installed GPS device, a future timebased value of information and data maintained or to be maintained onsaid portable computing device for which an owner will be compensated inthe event of theft or loss of said portable computing device.
 15. Theinvention of claim 1 where a system consists of a plurality of GPSdevices installed on a plurality of portable computing devices.
 16. Theinvention of claim 9 where the method consists of a plurality of GPSdevices installed on a plurality of portable computing devices and whichare conveyed using a plurality of insurance and risk managementservices.
 17. The invention of claim 12 where said receivedtransmissions may authorize the installed GPS device to instruct theportable computing device to alter or eradicate electronically storedrecords utilizing a random Binary fill 128 bit encryption that iscapable of de-encryption and data recovery if laptop is located.
 18. Theinvention of claim 12 where said received transmissions may authorizethe installed GPS device to instruct the portable computing device toalter or eradicate electronically stored records where a Binary fill isactivated OTA (Over The Air) and is not required for the laptop to beplugged into an electrical outlet.
 19. The invention of claim 12 wheresaid received transmissions may authorize the installed GPS device toinstruct the portable computing device to alter or eradicateelectronically stored records where a Binary fill de-encryption isactivated OTA (Over The Air) and is not required for the laptop to beplugged into an electrical outlet.